Definition
A muscular, J-shaped organ connecting
the esophagus to the duodenum. It
functions as a reservoir and
begins digestion. Location
Location
Lies in the epigastric, umbilical, and left
hypochondriac regions. Mostly beneath
the left costal margin.
Shape
J-shaped in slender individuals,
more horizontal in muscular builds.
Shape varies with body habitus.
Size and Capacity
Length ~25 cm. Capacity:
Birth - 30 ml, Puberty -
1000 ml, Adult - 1.5 to 2
liters.
External Features
Two orifices (cardiac at T11, pyloric at L1),
two curvatures (lesser & greater), and
anterior/posterior
surfaces. Parts: fundus, body, pyloric
antrum, and canal.
A muscular, J-shaped organ connecting
the esophagus to the duodenum. It
functions as a reservoir and
begins digestion. Location
Location
Lies in the epigastric, umbilical, and left
hypochondriac regions. Mostly beneath
the left costal margin.
Shape
J-shaped in slender individuals,
more horizontal in muscular builds.
Shape varies with body habitus.
Size and Capacity
Length ~25 cm. Capacity:
Birth - 30 ml, Puberty -
1000 ml, Adult - 1.5 to 2
liters.
External Features
Two orifices (cardiac at T11, pyloric at L1),
two curvatures (lesser & greater), and
anterior/posterior
surfaces. Parts: fundus, body, pyloric
antrum, and canal.
